drink wholesome is the best protein powder for kid athletes.
Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN
How much protein do kid athletes need?
Childhood is a phase market by growth and development. It is also the time when humans are very active. In the United States, 52.5% of kids participate in organized sports. With all this growth and physical activity comes a need for good nutrition.
Children need lots of protein, especially children who play sports. Exercise damages muscles, and protein helps us repair them. Without protein, children cannot grow and athletes cannot recover. Not eating enough protein can also lead to fatigue, weakness, thin hair, brittle nails, and dry skin.
The Dietary Reference Intake for protein for kids aged 4-13 years is 0.95 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Kid athletes generally need a lot more protein than that, however, sometimes twice as much. They should aim to get as much of this protein as they can from foods like eggs, fish, and meat, but some kids (picky eaters, kids with dietary restrictions, etc.) may have a hard time getting enough this way. This is where protein powder can help.
Is protein powder good for kid athletes?
Adding a scoop of protein powder to a kid’s diet is a great way to ensure that he or she is getting the nutrition he or she needs to grow and succeed as an athlete. Protein powder can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, and other recipes. It can also be used to make protein shakes, which are incredibly convenient and easy to make. For kids who do not have enough time to eat a meal between school, practice, rehearsal etc., a protein shake can be a lifesaver. That said, not all protein supplements are created equal.